With more than 260 scientific publications on new materials oriented to the engineering sector and particularly towards the aerospace branch, Juan Martínez Vega is one of the highlights in the area of applied physics of Mexican researchers. Such recognition, however, has taken place in France, where he has lived for the last 30 years.
In perfect Spanish, but with an accent of the language he uses every day, this northern scientist explains his reasons for staying in France to develop as a researcher, although the decision has not prevented him to continue his commitment to support the development and strengthening of Mexican science and technology, being part of the Mexican Talent Network, Chapter France.
It is in this country where he has made his curriculum as a professor, researcher and even functionary at the Paul Sabatier University, where he served as vice rector of the institution for almost 7 years.
For Martinez Vega the concept of “brain fugue” (Mexican term used to describe scientist that leave the country looking for better jobs and never come back) does not apply as he has never stopped working with Mexican groups of scientists and institutions. On the contrary, he thinks his different positions have allowed him to be involved and actively participate in the scientific and technological development of Mexico.
In fact, he participated in the creation of the Ph.D. in Materials Engineering at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (where he studied) and is currently coordinator of cooperation between France and Mexico at the University Network for Industrial Innovation (PCP/RU2I), which is in charge of the National Council for Science and Technology in Mexico and the French Embassy.
His research currently focuses on the development of electrical insulation for extreme conditions of temperature and electric fields, where one of its applications is in the use of new generation military type helicopters. Electrical polymer insulators for use in wires can withstand temperatures up to 350-400 C° and higher charges than 30 thousand volts.
This experience has also allowed him to lecture and counsel for aeronautical projects in Mexico, sector which he has recommended to venture into but “focusing efforts”. It is necessary to combine efforts at the federal level and strategically decide in which fields of the aerospace domain Mexico could be a leader in a short time: embedded systems, maintenance, design, smart structures, among others.
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense
